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Cheap Eats Near Dodger Stadium

Although Dodger’s Stadium food has gotten a big revamp lately, prices aren’t trending any lower. Between tickets, parking and food, enjoying a spontaneous summer baseball game could set you back more than a few bucks. But, with a little planning and a list of cheap eats near Dodger’s stadium, you’ll get more than just some peanuts and Cracker Jacks for less than ten dollars. We’ve scoured the area to find the best cheap eats around Dodger Stadium.

Finding great tacos in Los Angeles is like spotting someone wearing blue at a Dodger’s game — an absolute. Guisados makes the taco search even easier with its Echo Park location, blocks from the stadium. Known for its stewed meat tacos served on thick, almost cake-like homemade corn tortillas, Guisados offers a 6-taco sample platter for just $7. Wash down the spicy cohcinita pibil (pork) or saucy chicken tinga with an Armando Palmero agua fresca (lemon + hibiscus) and you’ve made it a meal.

(credit: Dominic A. Riley)

Buu Dien
642 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-8355

You’re heading from Downtown and it’s your turn to bring tailgate eats for the crew. Luckily for you, your saving grace lies just beyond the Chinatown gates, through a sketchy (free) parking lot and inside Buu Dien. This family run Vietnamese café offers delicious and authentic food that is unrivaled. A banh mi sandwich with cold cuts, BBQ pork or chicken stuffed in a French roll and topped with pickled veggies, cilantro and jalapenos is just $2.50 and is a great options before the big game.

Before hopping on the free Dodger Stadium Express bus from Union Station, fans can run over to Olvera Street to indulge in Cielito Lindo’s “world famous” taquitos. Fried in front of customers in a large skillet, the hand rolled beef taquitos are served in pairs and slathered in green salsa ($3). Make it a combo with a side of beans and cheese, a tamale or chile relleno. There are even a few tables to rest your napkins on when things get a little messy.

Dodger traditionalists know that Philippe the Original is the ideal spot for a cheap pre-game bite. Birthplace and home of the French dip sandwich, Philippe’s classic deli charm, communal tables, beef dip with hot mustard ($7) and draft beers make this an unofficial Dodger’s tailgate party. No game ticket? Philippe’s shows the entire game, so you can drown your sorrows in a delicious french dip sandwich with au jus.

For those few morning or early afternoon Dodger games, Square One Café at the Echo Park Boathouse hits the spot for a cheap pre-game breakfast (served all day). Keep it simple with French toast bites for $6, or get meaty by adding a few slices of bacon to their breakfast sandwich served on brioche with scrambled eggs and heirloom tomatoes. Since it’s too early—for some—for beer, grab an espresso drink or an orange juice.

Go where the cops go. It’s not the official motto, but Eastside Market Italian Deli is filled with cops and Dodger fans alike who know where to go to get lots of food for a small price. A taste of Little Italy in Los Angeles, Eastside Market is the place for overstuffed meatball subs, saucy Italian sausage sandwiches and cold cuts piled high. No need to worry about getting a ticket though, there’s lots of free street parking.

A packed salsa bar that includes guacamole and free wifi can really set a taco shop apart from its numerous counterparts. Mexicali taco with its large communal picnic benches is great for a pre-game meal or post-game social media catch up session. The vampiro is a crispy, gooey quesadilla stuffed with cheese, meat and garlic sauce. Order extra garlic sauce, a free side of beans and a bottle of Sidral to complete your Instagram photo.